Ulysses S. Grant Drawing: Simple Steps for Beginners

Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th U.S. President, is known for his leadership during the Civil War. His calm demeanor and strategic thinking won him the respect of both his troops and his opponents. In this article, we'll provide a step-by-step guide to drawing Ulysses S. Grant, making it easy even for beginners to capture his likeness.

Materials You'll Need:

• Pencil
• Paper
• Eraser
• Ruler (optional)

Step 1: Outline the Head and Facial Features

1. Start by drawing a circle near the center of your paper. This will form the outline of Grant's head.
2. Draw a vertical line down from the center of the circle to create a symmetry line.
3. Mark the center point on the horizontal axis of the circle, where the nose will be located.
4. Sketch in two eyes, one on each side of the center point.
5. Draw a curved line below the eyes to create the nose.
6. Add a straight line below the nose for the mouth.

Step 2: Define the Hair and Facial Hair

1. Draw a curved line above the circle to create the hairline.
2. Use the ruler to draw a few straight lines from the hairline, extending upwards. These will form the part of Grant's hair.
3. Add small lines around the ears to create the sideburns.

Step 3: Draw the Uniform and Collar

1. Draw a V-shaped curve starting from just above the eyebrows. This will be the top of Grant's uniform collar.
2. Draw another V-shaped curve below the first, creating the lower part of the collar.
3. Draw vertical lines inside the collar to create the buttons.
4. Sketch in a shoulder strap on each side of the collar, forming an X shape.

Step 4: Add Details to the Face

1. Shade the pupils of the eyes.
2. Draw a small line below each eye for the lower eyelashes.
3. Add a small mustache below the nose.
4. Draw a line under the mustache for the beard.

Step 5: Complete the Drawing

1. Erase any unnecessary lines or marks.
2. Sharpen the outlines of the drawing to create more definition.
3. Add shading to bring depth to the face and uniform.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Making the eyes too large: Grant had relatively small eyes. Aim for almond-shaped eyes with a small iris.
• Overemphasizing the facial hair: Grant's mustache and beard were modest. Avoid making them too thick or bushy.
• Neglecting the details: Pay attention to the small details, such as the buttons on the collar and the shading of the face.

Why Ulysses S. Grant Matters

• A Symbol of Leadership: Grant's ability to inspire and lead thousands of troops to victory during the Civil War is a testament to his leadership skills.
• A Reconciler: After the war, Grant played a key role in reunifying the country by working to bridge the divide between the North and the South.
• A Man of Action: Grant was not afraid to take bold decisions and face challenges head-on. His military strategies and political reforms left a significant impact on American history.

Benefits of Drawing Ulysses S. Grant

• Develops Hand-Eye Coordination: Drawing requires precise movements, improving your coordination skills.
• Boosts Creativity: Engaging in artistic activities stimulates your imagination and creativity.
• Reduces Stress: The process of drawing can be calming and therapeutic, reducing stress levels.

Tables

Table 1: Historical Timeline of Ulysses S. Grant

Table 2: Key Battles Won by Grant

Table 3: Grant's Presidency

| Achievement |
|---|---|
| Reconstruction of the South |
| Creation of the National Park System |
| Establishment of the Civil Service Commission |
| Enforcement of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments |

Table 4: Novels Featuring Ulysses S. Grant